Articles, Lessons, & Projects | Learn Self Storage

Who Are Our Customers?

For several decades now, it seems that most self storage properties were developed based on the principal that “if you build it they will come.” Unfortunately, those days of finding...

Build VS. Buy

The level of a person’s knowledge and expertise combined with their financial resources is most often the deciding factor in whether they build or buy a self storage property. This...

Building Boat & RV Storage

As the economy recovers, the American public enjoys more disposable income, and many have taken to the road and water for recreation. At the same time, most communities have restrictions...

Top 10 Customer Complaints

Wouldn’t it be great if a business ran perfectly and we never heard a complaint from a single customer? Unfortunately, we’re dealing with human beings, not robots. It is a...

the process of self storage construction

The Process and the Players in Self Storage Construction

Metal Building Systems are the most visible part of a self storage project. The quality and usefulness of buildings is determined by the planning and materials selection that takes place...

How Much Does It Cost To Build Storage Units?

On the surface, the self storage business and what it will cost to build storage units looks so simple. Other businesses have product ordering, inventory count & storage, spoilage issues,...

Noah's Ark Self Storage Facility in Bulverde

“Farewell To A Beloved Colleague” – MSM Publisher’s Letter

Mike Parham had many colleagues within the industry, but none more endeared than Poppy Behrens, Publisher of Mini-Storage Messenger. In the December 2014 Facility of the Year Mini-Storage Messenger issue,...

Self Storage Managers

From “Mom & Pop” operations to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) the self storage industry has changed dramatically. So have the characteristics of the individuals that staff our facilities. When...

Site Design and Unit Mix – Two Great Hits

You have probably seen those infomercials selling the “best of the ’70s and ’80s” music collection. If you pause to listen to some of the hits being advertised, it’s probably...

Opening a New Facility and Hiring the Right Managers

The process of financing, developing, designing, and building a self storage facility is a daunting and expensive undertaking. In this era of rampant self storage development and competition, the adage,...